In a recent insider revelation, it appears King Charles is more eager than ever to develop a meaningful relationship with his estranged grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Despite the ongoing tensions with his younger son, Prince Harry, especially after Harry’s public revelations about the royal family following his move to the United States in 2020, Charles remains determined to play an active role in his grandchildren’s lives.
Sources close to the king have confirmed that he holds family in the highest regard. The chilly atmosphere between Charles and Harry hasn’t dampened the king’s desire to bond with Archie and Lilibet. According to insiders, Charles has shared with friends his dissatisfaction with only being able to connect with his grandchildren through occasional video calls. He longs for more in-person interaction, having met Archie just a few times and Lilibet only once.
One source shared with *The Mirror* that the king is fully committed to being a part of all his grandchildren’s lives. “Family means everything to him, and regardless of his strained relationship with Harry, he cannot accept only the occasional video call with his grandchildren,” the source explained.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward echoed these sentiments, stating that family has always been a cornerstone for King Charles. She also lamented the fact that Charles doesn’t see more of his grandchildren due to the geographical distance. “It deeply saddens him that he cannot spend more time with Archie and Lilibet,” she said, emphasizing that this desire for a stronger relationship with them is why Charles has not completely severed ties with Harry. She noted that Charles yearns for more than a “FaceTime relationship” with the children and wishes to play a role in their lives while they are still young enough to benefit from his presence and guidance.
King Charles’ health struggles have only intensified his longing to spend time with his grandchildren. He is acutely aware of the fleeting nature of time and the reality that he won’t be around forever, making it even more urgent for him to bond with Archie and Lilibet.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to chart their own path for their children. Sources close to the couple reveal that they are determined to protect Archie and Lilibet from public scrutiny, allowing them the freedom to shape their own futures. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are committed to keeping their children out of the public spotlight until they turn 18. At that point, Archie and Lilibet will have the autonomy to explore their interests and choose their life paths.
The insider explained that Harry and Meghan’s approach is to guide their children without pressuring them into specific roles. “The children will have the opportunity to naturally gravitate towards their interests and pursue what resonates most with them,” the source said.
Despite their focus on providing a relatively normal upbringing, there may still be occasions when Archie and Lilibet make public appearances. However, these instances will be rare and carefully considered to ensure the events are meaningful. One such occasion could be the Invictus Games in Canada next year, an event close to Harry’s heart, where the Sussex children might make a public appearance.
Harry and Meghan’s priority remains to shield their children from excessive media attention. They want to allow Archie and Lilibet to grow up without the pressures of royal life, which Harry himself has experienced firsthand. By keeping their children’s lives private, they hope to give them the freedom to form their own identities without the burden of constant public attention.
As Harry approaches his milestone 40th birthday on September 15th, he has reflected on the joy fatherhood has brought him. Now living with Meghan and their children in Montecito, California, Harry has embraced his role as a father wholeheartedly. In a recent message, the Duke of Sussex expressed his deep love for his children, stating, “The best gift I’ve ever been given is without a doubt my kids. I cherish watching them grow every day, and being a dad brings me immense joy.”
The family is expected to celebrate Harry’s birthday with a low-key gathering, including close friends, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet. This intimate celebration aligns with the couple’s desire to maintain their family life privately, away from the public eye that so often accompanies royal life.
Harry and Meghan’s decision to maintain a level of privacy for Archie and Lilibet has been a topic of speculation, with many believing that security concerns play a significant role in their approach. Harry, who has been open about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, is particularly sensitive to protecting his children from similar experiences.
A friend of the Duke shared insights into Harry’s mindset, explaining that his hesitancy to showcase his children publicly is not out of a desire to hide them, but rather to safeguard their privacy and security. “Harry has been cautious about publicly showcasing Archie and Lilibet, not because he wants to obscure them, but to protect their privacy and ensure their safety,” the friend explained.
Harry’s concerns about his children’s safety are deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences as a member of the royal family. The tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, has undoubtedly shaped his views on security and media attention. He is resolute in his determination to shield his children from the invasive scrutiny that once followed his own family.
The Sussexes have largely succeeded in keeping their children out of the media glare, and it’s clear that this will continue to be their approach as they navigate family life. They are committed to providing Archie and Lilibet with a life free from the pressures of royal duty, allowing them the space to grow and choose their own paths.
Whatever the future holds for Archie and Lilibet, Harry and Meghan are determined to support their children in writing their own stories—whether they embrace their royal heritage, champion charitable causes, or choose entirely different paths. The freedom to make their own choices will be the greatest gift Harry and Meghan can offer them.